Drama | Class X | CBSE Board By Prabhat Gaurav

Literature D – 119
INTRODUCTION
A true test of people is how they behave towards the elderly. With modernisation, reverence of the elderly seems
to have suffered a grievous blow. All happiness to the elderly is parsimoniously measured out. Too often the elderly
suffer death by invisibility long before their physical demise. The daughters in ‘Dear Departed’ are very materialistic
and like beasts of prey, they are only ready to pounce on the money and belongings of their father. Keeping father
at home has become a tiresome burden. Looking towards the elderly has become a matter of comfort and financial
aid rather than for inspiration and emotional strength. For a civilised society a new culture of giving needs to be
ushered and one must give to the elderly without any selfish motive. We must remember that the difference between
a helping hand and an outstretched palm is only a twist of the wrist.
DRAMA
SUMMARY
The play ‘The Dear Departed’ presents an interesting
situation that has tragically become common place in the
world of today. The scene of the play is set in the sitting-
room of a small house in a lower middle-class district of
a provincial town. The setting of the play reveals that the
tea-table has been laid. Mrs Slater, a plump and active
lady is in mourning and she is getting ready to receive
some guests. She beckons to her daughter Victoria, who is
ten year old, and instructs her to change into something
sober. It is revealed that Victoria’s grandfather has passed
away and the Slater family is getting ready to receive Aunt
Elizabeth and Uncle Ben. Victoria expresses surprise at
this news because her aunt and uncle had not paid them a
visit for years. Mrs Slater reveals that they were coming
over to talk about grandfather’s affairs, on hearing of his
death. In the meanwhile Mr Slater enters. He is a heavy
man who stoops he is also in mourning dress.
Henry Slater is skeptical whether Elizabeth will come,
for the last time when Mrs Slater and Elizabeth had
quarrelled, she had vowed never to pay a visit again to
their house. Mrs Slater gives Henry new slippers of her
father. She also plans to take away the new bureau of the
grandfather and shift it to their room, before Elizabeth and
Ben arrive. Both the husband and wife, lock the front door
and shift the bureau down and put their old chest of drawers
there. Victoria wants to know why they were stealing
grandfather’s things but her mother tells her to remain
quiet. Grandpa’s new clock is also taken away. Meanwhile
there is loud knocking at the door and the Slaters take
plenty of time to look normal. Mrs Jordan and Ben pretend
to be emotional at the death of Mr Abel Merryweather.
Both the ladies compare their mourning dresses, criticising
the other’s outfit. Mrs Jordan is surprised to discover that
no doctor had been summoned to check on her father. Mrs
Slater insists in a stubborn manner that she had been keen
on Mr Pringle and if he was out of station, they couldn’t
be offensive and call someone else. Mrs Slater reveals
that her father had been happy in the morning and he had
apparently gone to pay the premium of his insurance policy.
He was generally going to “Ring-O-Bells’ frequently and
the night before he had come drunk and had gone to bed
without having dinner. Mrs Jordan and Ben prefer to have
tea before going and looking up father. All four of them
start discussing about the obituary and the kind of
announcement in the newspapers to be inserted. Mrs Jordan
wants a long poem but Mrs Slater protests by saying that
it will cost a lot. Meanwhile Mrs Jordan reveals that her
father had willed his gold watch to her son Jimmy. Mrs
Slater feels very offended and refuses to believe it. Victoria
says that grandfather had not gone in the morning to pay
his premium but had instead gone over to ‘The Ring of
Bells,’ the public house, managed by John Shorrock’s
widow. Everyone starts blaming the old man for not paying
his premium. Victoria is instructed to go over to grandpa’s
room to get the receipt of the premium. Mrs Jordan is
surprised to note a new bureau and she wishes to know the
details, because she doubts Mrs Slater’s version. Victoria
enters, looking dazed. She gives the shocking news that
äääää By Stanley Houghton
1 THE DEAR DEPARTED

D – 120 New Wave Communicative English – X
Grandpa was stirring and moving. After some time Mr
Abel Merryweather enters and is surprised to see his other
daughter and son-in-law, Mr and Mrs Jordan. He reveals
that he was well and just had a slight headache he notices
Henry wearing his new slippers and takes them. Abels
wishes to know, why all were in mourning dresses. Mrs
Jordan makes up some story to pacify him. Abel
Merryweather enjoys tea and has a generous slice of the
apple-pie. He grumbles and scolds Mrs Slater for taking
away his bureau. Mrs Jordan gets agitated and accuses her
sister of robbing her father. The husbands also join their
wives in hurling accusations at each other Abel discovers
about his death. He addresses his daughters directly and
declares that he was going to change his will and all the
money will go to the one, in whose house he dies. Both
the daughters fight with each other to keep their father.
Abel is amused and watches all the fun. At last he makes
his announcement which shocks everyone. On Monday, he
would go to the lawyer and alter his will, then he would
go to the insurance office and pay his premium. After that
he would go to the church and get married to Mrs Shorrock.
Everyone is shocked. Abel reveals that he had at last found
someone who was happy to keep him. He exits with an
invitation of his marriage. He also thanks Mrs Slater for
shifting the Bureau down-stairs for now it will be easy to
cart it away to “Ring-O-Bells.’
lkjka'k
;g ukVd ^n fM;j fMikVsZM* ,d jkspd fLFkfr ij vk/kfjr
gSA nq[k dh ckr gS fd ;g vkt dh nqfu;k dk dVq lR; gSA ukVd
dk n`'; ,d eè;eoxhZ; ftys osQ ,d NksVs ls 'kgj osQ ,d NksVs ls
edku dh cSBd esa gksrk gqvk fn[kk;k x;k gSA eap ij pk; dh es”k
lth gS] Jherh LysVj tks ,d xksy eVksy vkSj iqQrhZyh efgyk gaS
ekreh oL=kksa esa oqQN esgekuksa osQ bar”kkj esa cSBh gSaA og viuh iq=kh
foDVksfj;k dks laosQr djrh gS ftldh vk;q nl o"kZ gS vkSj dgrh gS
fd diM+s cny dj oqQN lkSE; oL=k iguksA n'kkZ;k x;k gS fd
foDVksfj;k osQ ukuk dk fu/u gks x;k gS vkSj LysVj ifjokj vkaVh
,fytkcsFk vkSj vady cSu osQ bar”kkj esa gSA foDVksfj;k dks ;g lqudj
vpjt gksrk gS fd vady vkSj vkaVh o"kks± ls ogk¡ ugha vk;s FksA
Jherh LysVj crkrh gSa fd os yksx ukukth osQ ekeyksa osQ ckjs esa
ckrphr djus vk jgs gSaA rHkh Jheku LysVj vanj vkrs gSaA os Hkkjh
'kjhj osQ vkSj >qdh gqbZ dej okys O;fDr gSaA
Jheku gsujh LysVj dks fo'okl ugha gS fd os yksx vk;saxs ;k
ugha D;ksafd fiNyh ckj Jherh LysVj vkSj ,fytkcsFk esa >xM+k gks
x;k Fkk vkSj mlus ç.k fy;k Fkk fd ogk¡ dHkh ugha vk;sxhA Jherh
LysVj gsujh dks vius firk dh ubZ pIiysa nsrh gSaA mudh ;kstuk ;g
Hkh gS fd ukukth osQ MsLd dks vius dejs esa ys tk;sa] blls igys
fd ,fytkcsFk vkSj csu vk;saA ifr&iRuh njok”ks dks rkyk yxkdj
MsLd dks vius dejs esa j[kdj mldh txg viuk iqjkuk MsLd ogk¡
j[k nsrs gSaA foDVksfj;k tkuuk pkgrh gS fd os ukukth dk lkeku D;ksa
pksjh dj jgs gSa mldh ek¡ mls pqi djk nsrh gSA ukukth dh ubZ ?kM+h
Hkh os mBk ysrs gSaA bl chp esa dksbZ ”kksj&”kksj ls njok”kk [kV[kVkrk
gSA LysVj ifjokj vius dks Bhd fn[kkus osQ fy, dkIk”Qh oDr ysrs gSaA
Jherh tkWMZu vkSj cSu] ,cy eSjhsosnj osQ fu/u ij [kwc jksus & èkksus
dk Lok¡x Hkjrs gSaA
nksuksa efgyk,¡ ,d nwljs osQ ekreh oL=kksa dks ?kwjrh gSaA Jherh
tkWMZu dks ;g tkudj vpjt gksrk gS fd muosQ firk dh tk¡p osQ
fy, fdlh Hkh MkWDVj dks ugha cqyk;k x;kA Jherh LysVj ”kksj nsdj
dgrh gSa fd os Jheku fi¯jxy dks cqykuk pkgrh Fkha vkSj D;ksafd og
'kgj ls ckgj Fks rks os fdlh vkSj dks cqykus dk nqLlkgl oSQls djrsA
os crkrh gSa fd muosQ firk lqcg [kq'k Fks vkSj ba';ksjsal ikWfylh dk
çhfe;e Hkjus x;s FksA og vkerkSj ij ¯jx&vks&cSYl* tkrs jgrs Fks
vkSj fiNyh jkr os ogk¡ ls u'ks esa /qr vk;s Fks vkSj fcuk [kkuk [kk;s
lks x;s FksA
Jherh tkWMZu vkSj cSu firk dks ns[kus tkus ls igys pk; ihuk
ilan djrs gSaA pkjksa firk dh fu/u&lwpuk osQ fo"k; esa ckrphr djus
yxrs gSa] ftls v[kckj esa Nius osQ fy, Hkstk tkuk gSA Jherh tkWMZu
pkgrh gSa ,d yEch dfork Hksth tk;s] Jherh LysVj euk djrs gq,
dgrh gS fd og rks cgqr eg¡xk iM+sxkA rHkh Jherh tkWMZu crkrh gSa
fd muosQ firk viuh lksus dh ?kM+h muosQ csVs ftEeh dks nsuk pkgrs
FksA Jherh LysVj cqjk ekurs gq;s bl ckr ij fo'okl djus ls badkj
djrh gSA
foDVksfj;k crkrh gS fd ukukth lqcg çhfe;e Hkjus ugha x;s
FksA ijUrq ¯jx vkWiQ csYl tks fd ,d e/q'kkyk Fkh & ogk¡ x;s Fks
ftldks tkWu 'kkSjksd dh fo/ok pykrh FkhaA lHkh yksx cw<+s dks cqjk
Hkyk dgus yxrs gSa fd çhfe;e Hkjus D;ksa ugha x;kA foDVksfj;k dks
ukukth osQ dejs esa çhfe;e dh jlhn ykus Hkstk tkrk gSA
Jherh ,fytkcsFk u;s MsLd dks ns[kdj gSjkuh çxV djrs gq,
mlosQ ckjs esa tkuuk pkgrh gSa D;ksafd mUgsa Jherh LysVj osQ dFku
ij 'kd gSA foDVksfj;k lqUu fLFkfr esa vanj vkrh gS vkSj ;g luluh
Hkjh [kcj nsrh gS fd ukukth py fiQj jgs gSaA oqQN le; ckn Jheku
,cy&esfjosnj vanj vkrs gSa vkSj viuh nwljh iq=kh vkSj nkekn dks
ns[kdj gSjku gksrs gSaA og crkrs gSa fd og Bhd gSa cl gYdk lk
flj&nnZ gSA rHkh og gsujh osQ iSjksa esa viuh ubZ pIiysa ns[krs gSa vkSj
mUgsa ys ysrs gSaA os tkuuk pkgrs gSa lHkh yksx ekreh iks'kkd esa D;ksa
gSaA Jherh LysVj ckr cukdj Vky tkrh gSaA ,cy esfjoSnj pk; vkSj
lsc ls cus osQd dk vkuan ysrs gSaA os oqQM+oqQM+krs gSa vkSj
Jherh LysVj dks Mk¡Vrs gSaa fd mUgksaus mudk u;k MsLd D;ksa fy;kA
Jherh tkWMZu xqLls esa vkdj viuh cgu ij bY”kke yxkrh gSa fd
mUgksaus firk dh phtksa dh pksjh dhA nksuksa ifr Hkh viuh ifRu;ksa osQ
lkFk feydj ,d&nwljs ij nks"k yxkrs gSaA ,scy dks viuh e`R;q dh
?kVuk dk irk yxrk gS vkSj os lh/s viuh csfV;ksa dks dgrs gSa fd
os viuk olh;rukek cnyus tk jgs gSa vkSj lkjk /u mls feysxk
ftlosQ ?kj esa mudh e`R;q gksxhA

nksuksa iqf=k;ka >xM+k djrh gaS fd firk dks dkSu j[ksxkA ,cy e”ks
ls bldk vkuan ysrs gq, ns[k jgs gSaA var esa os iSQlyk lqukrs gSa ftls
lqudj lcdks lnek igq¡prk gSA os dgrs gSa fd vkus okys lkseokj dks
os odhy osQ ikl tk dj viuh olh;r cny nsaxsA blosQ ckn
ba';ksjsUl osQ nÝ”rj tk dj çhfe;e Hkjsaxs vkSj fiQj ppZ tkdj Jhefr
'kkSjksd ls fookg djsaxsA D;ksafd vkf[kjdkj mUgsa ,d ,slk lkFkh fey
x;k gS tks mUgsa vius lkFk j[kus esa [kq'k gSA os vius fookg dk U;ksrk
nsdj fudy tkrs gSa vkSj tkrs gq, Jherh LysVj dk /U;okn djrs gSa
fd mUgksaus Hkjh MsLd uhps ykdj muosQ fy, vklku dj fn;k fd os
mls ^¯jx&vks&cSYl ys tk losaQA
WORD–MEANINGS
• outshine : to compete and try to overdo more than the
other • speck : a bit or particle • trifles : small small
things • complacent : easily satisfied • outfit : dress •
accustomed : used to • regrettable : worth regretting •
chirpy : cheerful • furtively : in a sky manner •
etiquettes : manners • swindling : cheating
• reluctantly : hesitatingly • disparaging : to speak in
a hurting manner • transfixed : stunned • vindictive :
revengeful • disconcerted : to be disturbed
• snappishly : irritably
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS (SOLVED)
5. Answer the following questions briefly.
(a) How does Mrs Slater plan to outshine the
Jordans? What does it reveal about her
character?
Ans. Mrs Slater has managed to procure a black dress
for mourning, though it is not complete. She believes that
her mourning outfit would still be better than Mrs Jordan’s,
who might not have managed to arrange it also. Her
obsession for a mourning dress reveals that she is a frivolous
and pretentious woman who is not distressed at the death
of her father and is bothered more about worldly
pretensions.
(b) Why does Mrs Slater decide to shift the bureau
from grandfather’s room before the arrival of
the Jordans? How does Henry react to the
situation?
Ans. Mrs Slater wishes to steal the bureau and shift
it in her room and replace it by her old chest of drawers.
The bureau was new so now with her father’s death, she
wishes to possess it before her sister comes and Henry is
not that greedy and suggests that his wife must-discuss it
with her sister before taking it away. Later he gets persuaded
by his dominating wife.
(c) What is the reason for the Jordans taking a
long time to get to the house of the Slater’s?
What does it show about the attitude of the two
sisters towards each other?
Ans. Mrs Jordan took a lot of time to reach the home
of the Slater’s because she wanted to get a complete new
mourning dress before coming. Both the sisters are not
grief-stricken at the death of their father but are trying to
out shine each other in wearing their best mourning dresses.
For the sisters grief is to be depicted through mourning-
dress and not through the feelings in one’s heart.
(d) What does Mrs Jordan describe as ‘a fatal
mistake’? What is the irony on the comment
she makes on Mrs Slater’s defence?
Ans. Mrs. Jordan believes that not sending for the
doctor at her father’s death was a ‘fatal mistake’. Mrs
Slater clarifies immediately that since it was Mr Pringle
who had always attended on her father, it would be against
professional etiquette to call someone else. Mr Pringle was
out of town so they didn’t call anyone else.
(e) Ben appreciates grandfather saying “it’s a
good thing he did”. Later he calls him a
‘drunken old beggar’. Why does he change his
opinion about grandfather?
Ans. Ben appreciates the grandfather for paying the
premium of his insurance policy. When he hears that
grandfather had not gone that day to pay the premium, he
changes his stand and calls him a ‘drunken old beggar’
since the grandfather had gone to ‘Ring-O-Bells.’
(f) What change does the grandfather make in his
new will? What effect will it have on his
daughters?
Ans. The grandfather decides that he will change his
will. He decides to leave all the things to whomsoever he’s
living with when he dies. The daughters get agitated and
consider it unfair. Both of them compete with each other
to keep grandfather with them. None of them wanted to be
deprived of their share.

(g) What are the three things that grandfather
plans to do on Monday next?
[C.B.S.E., 2011 (T-1)]
Ans. The grandfather plans to alter his will, pay his
premium of the insurance policy and get married to John
Shorrock’s widow.
6. Answer the following in detail :
(a) How does the spat between the two daughters
leads to the grandfather discovering the truth?
Ans. Abel Merryweather recognises his bureau and
wants to know the reason for its shifting. Mrs Slater had
already told her sister that the bureau belonged to them.
This lie is enough to set tongues wagging and tempers
escalating. Mrs Jordan accuses her sister of stealing her
father’s things, thinking him to be dead. That is when Abel
discovers that they had gathered there for the official
mourning of his death.
(b) Compare and contrast Henry’s character with
his wife:
Ans. Henry is timid and honest by nature. Soft at
heart, he tends to get bullied by his dominating wife. Initially
he protests against stealing the grandfather’s slippers and
bureau but when Mrs Slater forces him, he gets carried
away. He is a worried looking man who believed what his
wife says and ends up supporting her. Mrs Slater by contrast
is vain, pretentious and greedy. She makes the plans and he
executes them with his wife’s help of course.
SOME IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
1. Discuss the significance of the title of the play.
Bring out the irony inherent in it?
[C.B.S.E. 2011 (T-1)]
Or
In what way is the play satirical? Comment on
the nature of its characters.
[C.B.S.E. 2011 (T-1)]
Ans. The title is very appropriate and packed with great
irony and wit that makes a farce of all relationships that
are most intense and pious. Children like the Slaters and
the Jordans are a blot on humanity and on the bonds of
love and affection. Both Amelia and her sister consider
their father Abel Merryweather a burden and his death is
no loss to them. The father is taken lightly. Immediately
after Abel’s supposed death, the elder daughter pinches his
slippers, clock and his bureau. For both the daughters,
father’s death is a kind of competition to outshine each
other. There is no mourning in their hearts, but both the
daughters vie with each other to wear the best mourning
dress. Mrs Jordan wants to have her tea and snacks rather
then looking at her dead father. Accusations are hurled at
each other, death announcement is planned but no one spares
a thought for the father. An obituary should reflect their
feelings, that are non-existent. It is only the grand daughter
Victoria, who is a sole witness to this game of pinching
things and benefits. In a lighter tone, Abel Merryweather
had sensed the mercenary nature of his daughter so he
outwits them in their planning. He finds a widow to marry
who would look after him better. The lesson ends on a
humorous note but outlines a very tragic and pathetic
concern – care of the elderly that is a glaring and ugly
reality of today’s world.
REFERENCE TO CONTEXT – MCQREFERENCE TO CONTEXT – MCQREFERENCE TO CONTEXT – MCQREFERENCE TO CONTEXT – MCQREFERENCE TO CONTEXT – MCQsssss
Read the following extracts and choose the correct
option.
1. Mrs Slater : “I’m amazed at you, Victoria, I really
am. How can you go gallivanting about in the
street with your grandfather lying dead and cold
upstairs, I don’t know. Be off now, and change
your dress before your Aunt Elizabeth and your
uncle Ben come. It would never do for them to find
you in colours.”
(i) Mrs Slater is angry with Victoria because
(a) she is moving around too much
(b) she is wasting time in the street
(c) she hasn’t changed her dress
(d) she’s not bothered about her grandfather’s
death
(ii) Aunt Elizabeth and Ben are paying a visit to
(a) offer condolence for the old man’s death
(b) check upon the old man
(c) lay their hands on his belongings
(d) to show to Mrs Slater their sorrow over the
death
(iii) Mrs Slater appears to be a lady who is very
particular about
(a) ceremonies
(b) relatives

(c) condolence
(d) mourning dresses on death
Answer : (i) (c) (ii) (d) (iii) (d)
2. Mrs Slater : My heart’s fit to break when I see the
trifles that belonged to grandfather lying around,
and think he’ll never use them again.
Here! you’d better wear these slippers of
grandfather’s now : It’s lucky he’d just got a new
pair.
(i) Mrs Slater is very disturbed because
(a) her father is dead
(b) his things are lying scattered
(c) she has to make arrangements
(d) she cannot afford to have his things wasted
(ii) Mrs Slater is very resourceful as
(a) she manages to make all the arrangements
(b) she is able to use her father’s slippers
(c) she has managed to inform her sister
(d) she has managed to get tea ready for relatives
(iii) From the above statement it is clear that Mrs
Slater was
(a) resourceful (b) miserly
(c) greedy (d) vain
Answer : (i) (d) (ii) (b) (iii) (c)
3. Victoria : Are we pinching it before Aunt Elizabeth
comes?
Henry : (Shocked) No, my child. Grandpa gave it
to your mother before he died.
(i) Victoria’s remarks reflect upon the behavior
of the adults that they are
(a) hypocrites (b) mercenary
(c) greed-driven (d) clever
(ii) Henry proves to be __________ from his
statement.
(a) submissive (b) gullible
(c) hen-pecked (d) vulnerable
(iii) Such pretensions and manipulative
behaviour ends up __________ the lives of
children like Victoria
(a) benefitting (b) guiding
(c) harming (d) confusing
Answer : (i) (a) (ii) (c) (iii) (d)
4. Mrs Slater : I could never fancy buying ready-
made things.
Ms Jordan : No? For myself its such a relief to get
into the black.
(i) The above conversation reveals that both the
daughters are not __________ at the death of
their father.
(a) emotional (b) grief-stricken
(c) sad (d) concerned
(ii) Death has become an occasion for only
(a) sad expressions
(b) flaunting mourning dresses
(c) funeral services
(d) prayers
(iii) The above conversation reveals that both the
sisters are
(a) Jealous (b) Competitive
(c) Vicious (d) Concerned
Answer : (i) (b) (ii) (b) (iii) (c)
5. Mrs Jordan : I like ‘Never Forgotten’. Its refined
Henry : Yes, but it’s rather soon for that.
Ben : You couldn’t very well forget him the day
after.
(i) Do you believe the conversation taking place
above is
(a) emotional (b) authentic
(c) genuine (d) pretentious
(ii) The comment of Ben is
(a) humorous (b) pretentious
(c) ironical (d) satirical
(iii) The relatives above are discussing about
__________ to be given in the newspaper.
(a) obituary (b) announcement
(c) tribute (d) notice
Answer : (i) (d) (ii) (d) (iii) (a)
6. ‘She’s never been here since grandfather brought
it. If it was only down here instead of in his room,
she’d never guess it wasn’t our own.
[C.B.S.E. 2011 (T-1)]
(i) These words are said by
(a) Victoria (b) Amelia
(c) Elizabeth (d) Henry
(ii) The word ‘it’ referred to here is
(a) the ornaments (b) the clock
(c) the chest of drawers (d) bureau
(iii) The speaker is planning to
(a) steal the clock before her sister comes
(b) bring the bureau down

Read the following extracts and answer the questions
that follow :
1. “It would never do for them to find you in
colours.”
(i) Identify the speaker and the listener.
Ans : The speaker is Mrs. Slater and the listener is
her daughter Victoria.
(ii) Who is referred to as ‘them’ in the above
statement?
Ans : ‘Them’ refers to Mrs. and Mr. Jordan.
(iii) Explain – ‘in colours’.
Ans : Victoria is wearing colourful clothes,
whereas she should be wearing a mourning dress.
(iv) What is the context of the above remark?
Ans : Victoria’s grandfather is supposed to be dead.
2. “Elizabeth’s that sharp she’ll see I’m after it and
she’ll drive a hard bargain over it. Eli, what it is
to have a low money grubbing spirit?”
(i) What is Elizabeth’s relation with the
speaker?
Ans : Elizabeth is the speaker Mrs slater’s sister.
(ii) What bargain is being discussed here?
Ans : The plan of shifting the grandpa’s bureau
before Elizabeth arrives.
(iii) Explain – low money grubbing spirit.
Ans : It refers to money-mindedness, or greed to
possess things.
(iv) What do the above remarks reflect about
the speaker’s attitude and nature?
Ans : The speaker herself is very mean,
manipulative and clever.
3. “No, my child, Grandpa gave it to your mother
before he died.”
(i) Identify the speaker and the listener.
Ans : The speaker is Henry Slater and he is
addressing his daughter.
(ii) What does ‘it’ refer to?
Ans : ‘It’ refers to the ‘bureau’
(iii) What impression do you form of the
speakers from the above statement?
Ans : Both the Slaters are greedy and great
hypocrites.
(iv) What do you think will be the impact of
the above statement on the listener?
Ans : Victoria will end up losing respect for her
parents.
4. “He is too honourable to have gone without
paying his premium.”
(i) Who is the speaker and who is the
listener?
Ans : Mrs. Jordan is the speaker and her sister is
the listener.
(ii) Who is “He” in the above statement?
Ans : ‘He’ is Abel Merryweather, Mrs Slater and
Mrs Jordan’s father.
(iii) What is the speaker’s relation with the
person mentioned.
Ans : She is Abel’s daughter.
(iv) What is the speaker’s conception of
‘honour’?
Ans : ‘Honour’ refers here to ‘paying one’s
insurance premium.’
(c) send the child up to bring the keys
(d) sell the old chest of drawers
Answer : (i) (b) (ii) (d) (iii) (b)
7. (Chirpily) “Now, Amelia, you mustn’t give way.
We’ve all got to die sometime or other. It might
have been worse.” [C.B.S.E. 2011 (T-1)]
(i) Who speaks these words?
(a) Ben (b) Mrs. Slater
(c) Mrs. Jordan (d) Victoria
(ii) The speaker is prompted to utter these words
to Amelia so that / because
(a) she should not cry.
(b) she need not show off.
(c) he knew her real nature and wanted to
caution her that when they would face such
a situation, it would be still worse.
(d) He wanted to be lively and humorous in that
grim situation.
(iii) The literary device used in the given lines is :
(a) Personification (b) Irony
(c) Alliteration (d) Metaphor
Answer : (i) (a) (ii) (c) (iii) (b)
REFERENCE TO CONTEXT – NON-MCQREFERENCE TO CONTEXT – NON-MCQREFERENCE TO CONTEXT – NON-MCQREFERENCE TO CONTEXT – NON-MCQREFERENCE TO CONTEXT – NON-MCQsssss

5. “I like ‘Never Forgotten’. It’s refined.”
(i) Who is the speaker?
Ans : Mrs Jordan is the speaker.
(ii) What is the context of the above remark?
Ans : The discussion is regarding the obituary to be
put in the newspaper.
(iii) For whom is ‘Never forgotten’ used?
Ans : For Abel Merryweather.
(iv) Point out the irony inherent in the above
remark.
Ans : It was only in words that he was not forgotten
in its reality both the daughters had forgotten him already.
6. “He’s done it on purpose, just to annoy us.”
(i) Identify ‘He’ and ‘us’.
Ans : ‘He’ is Abel Merryweather and ‘us’ means
the Jordans and Slaters.
(ii) Mention the context of the above remark.
Ans : The discussion is whether Abel has paid his
insurance premium or not.
(iii) What mistake has the person mentioned
made?
Ans : Abel appears to have deliberately messed out
paying the premium.
(iv) Do you think the speakers and the others
like him deserve that kind of treatment?
Ans : Yes, they do because they are all very greedy.
7. “Drat me if that isn’t my clock too. What the
devil’s been going on in the house?”
(i) What is the confusion regarding the clock?
Ans : Abel Merryweather’s clock has been pinched
by his daughter.
(ii) What exactly has been going on in the
house?
Ans : Mrs. Slater, the daughter, thought that her
father was dead and she was taking away his things.
(iii) Who is the speaker and whom is he
addressing?
Ans : The speaker is Abel and he is addressing his
daughters.
(iv) What do the above remarks reflect about
the listeners?
Ans : The listeners are very greedy and not
attached to their father.
8. Mrs Jordan, “You know father, it’s quite time
you come to live with us again we’d make you
very comfortable.”
(i) What has brought about the above change
in the speaker’s attitude?
Ans : The father’s new terms for the will has
brought about this change.
(ii) What about the above turn of events?
Ans : Abel has announced that his money will go to
the daughter with whom he would be staying at the time
of his death.
(iii) Who is instrumental in this change and
why?
Ans : The greedy nature of his daughters has
brought this change.
(iv) What does it reflect about Mrs Jordan’s
character?
Ans : Mrs. Jordan is very mercenary, greedy and
opportunistic.
9. I felt I was bit of a burden to you, so I found
someone who’d think it a pleasure to look after me.
(i) For whom is the speaker supposed to be a
burden?
Ans : Abel is supposed to be a burden for his
daughters.
(ii) Who is the speaker and who are the
listeners?
Ans : Abel is the speaker and both the daughters
and their husbands are the listeners.
(iii) Who has the speaker found to look after
him?
Ans : Abel has found a widow, Mrs Shorrock, to
look after him.
(iv) How does the speaker’s decision affect the
listeners?
Ans : The daughters are denied all the rights to the
property and money of their father.
10. I’ll tell you what I’ve got to do. On Monday next
I’ve got to do three things.
(i) Who is the speaker?
Ans : Abel Merryweather, the father.
(ii) What has he decided to do?
Ans : He has decided to marry Mrs Shorrod, a
widow, who runs a school in the neighbourhood.
(iii) Why did he take such a decision?
Ans : He took such a decision so that Mrs. Shorock
would take care of him. His own daughters were very
greedy and were not attached to him.

1. Why does Mrs Slater instruct Victoria to
change her dress?
Ans : Mrs. Slater is very particular about mourning
dresses. Since her father has expired, she instructs her
daughter Victoria to quickly change her colourful dress
into something sober, before the guests and relatives
arrive.
2. Why were Mr and Mrs Jordan visiting the
Slaters after so many years?
Ans : Since Mr Abel Merryweather had expired,
Mrs. Jordan, the daughter, was visiting her sister’s family,
to look after the arrangements to be made for the father’s
death.
3. Henry says, “I suppose it’s in the family.” Why
does Henry make this comment and what does
it reflect about the two sisters?
Ans : Henry is well aware that both the sisters Mrs
Slater and Mrs. Jordan are very mean and calculative, so
they will not lose any chance to pinch things belonging to
their family. When his wife brings the new slippers of her
father and gives to Henry, he makes this humorous
comment.
4. “Mother and me is going to bring grandfather’s
bureau down here.” Who makes this remark
and in what context? What does this reflect
about the speaker?
Ans : Henry Slater tells his daughter Victoria that they
were shifting grandfather’s bureau down because he had
gifted it to them. Victoria cannot believe it. This remark
depicts that Henry is not only a hen-pecked husband but
also a hypocrite, who just does what his wife tells him. He
has no individuality of his own.
5. “For myself it’s such a relief to get into the
black.” Who makes the above remark and what
is the context?
Ans : Mrs Jordan makes the above remark because she
got delayed due to a new mourning dress for herself. She
was not bothered about her father but worried about
appearing in a new mourning dress. This indicates her
pretentious nature without any thought for her father.
6. Mrs Slater says, “he must have gone round to
the ‘Ring-O-Bells’ afterwards, for he came in
as merry as a sand boy” regarding Abel
Merryweather. Do you think this remark is a
prediction of the things to come?
Ans : Yes, this remark is a death-knell on the plans
forged by the two sisters to grab their father’s money. The
fact that Abel is going there too often and is looking
extremely pleased is a prediction of the future course of
things.
7. Mrs Jordan, “we want a verse that says how
much we loved him and refers to all his good
qualities and says what a heavy loss we’re
had.” Point out the irony in this remark.
Ans : Mrs. Jordan, the daughter, wishes to show to the
world how much they all loved their father, by choosing
such words for his obituary. But the irony is that in reality,
they do not love him nor do they care for any of his good
qualities.
8. “After all I’ve done for him, having to put up
with him in the house these three years. It’s
nothing short of swindling” who makes this
remark and what does this reflect about the
speaker’s attitude?
Ans : Mrs. Slater makes the above remark in great
agitation when Abel states that his entire property will go
to the person with whom he would be staying, at the time
of his death, Mrs. Slater feels cheated. She believes that
looking after her father for these years has not benefitted
her at all.
9. Describe the reaction of all Slaters and the
Jordans when Abel Merryweather walks in the
parlour?
Ans : Both the Jordans and the Slaters are too shocked.
There are no gasps of relief, none of them heaves a sigh
of happiness. Both the sisters are displeased to see their
father alive. They had spent quite some money on their
mourning dresses. Mrs. Jordan had made this visit only
because of her father’s death.
10. Why are Amelia and Elizabeth reluctant to tell
the truth to their father regarding their
mourning dresses? What stories do they cook
up to convince their father?
Ans : Abel Merryweather is shocked to see his
daughters in mourning dresses and when he wishes to
know the reason, he is told that Ben’s brother has expired.
They further tell lies that the brother was in Australia and
he was older by five years.
11. Why does Mr Abel Merryweather decide to
make another will? What is the reaction of the
others?
Ans : Abel notices how his things are pinched away
and his daughters are wearing mourning dresses, without
even going and looking him up. Mrs Slater is shocked and
even after keeping father for three years, Abel has decided
to gift his money to the daughter, who will be with him at
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

1. You are a neighbour of Mrs Slater on Upper
Cornbank Street. You have witnessed the
indifferent and insensitive manner in which
Mrs Slater looks after her father and how the
poor father contrives ways to stay out of the
house. Write a letter to a friend expressing your
grave concern at the way in which the elderly
people are neglected.
Ans : Post Carter Road,
Mumbai
30 March, 2010
Dear Alina,
With a heavy heart, I am writing this letter as I
fear for our advancing age. The Slaters are our neighbours
and Mrs. Slater treats her father so badly, that I fear how
our old age will fare. The old father is very sporting, friendly
and happy-go-lucky and still treated badly. He is not the
demanding type, but still Mrs. Slater is always cribbing
about keeping him. Mr Abel, that is his name, hardly stays
at home and goes about to visit people even when he is
sick and should be tended. His granddaughter Victoria is
the only one who cares for him but a child cannot have
her way. Mrs Slater is always trying to take away Mr Abel’s
things, one way or the other. These days he appears to
be looking better because I have heard in the neighbourhood,
that he is apparently seeing some old widow Mrs. Shorrock.
Atleast there is some light in his life, some flicker of hope.
God save us from such children. I hope we do not face
any such problems. Do write to me.
Your sister,
Agatha.
2. Discuss the character-sketch of Mrs Jordan and
Mrs Slater as opposed to the characters of their
husbands.
Ans : Mrs Slater is clever, manipulative and mean,
much like her sister Mrs. Jordan. Their aim in life is to do
nothing for their father and derive maximum benefit. If
Amelia takes away her father’s slippers, bureau and clock,
Elizabeth wants to take away her father’s watch. Both the
ladies spare no thought for their father and worry about
outdoing each other in wearing mourning dresses. For
them the death of their father is like a drama that needs to
be staged with best outfits. Both the husbands are
henpecked and they go according to their wives. Henry
knows that his wife is an opportunist but he assists her in
carrying the bureau down. The husbands have no
individualities except to pamper the whims of their wives.
3. Victoria is the only one who loves her
grandfather. She is also a witness to the
manipulations and the mercenary behaviour of
her parents and her aunt and uncle. She writes
a diary expressing shock at their attitude and
the emotional loss she would undergo after her
grandfather’s departure. [C.B.S.E. 2011 (T-1)]
Ans : Dear Diary,
Today is the worst day of my life, when Grandpa
was supposed to have passed away. I am deeply shocked
at the behaviour of my mother and father, who are pinching
the belongings of my Grandpa. Imagine none even went
to look up Grandpa. I know Grandpa was not happy living
with us, I tried my best but mummy never listens. Even
papa supports her. I am so ashamed to see their hypocrisy.
I don’t know how they will expect respect from me, when
they have behaved so abominably. I pity Grandpa for this
treatment. Oh! how I wish I was grown up enough to look
after him.
Victoria.
4. Many years have elapsed. Mr Abel
Merryweather passed away some years back.
Mrs Slater is old and she realises how greedily
she had behaved with her father. She is grief-
stricken and regrets her actions. She unburdens
her self in a diary-entry. Compose this on her
behalf.
Ans : Dear Diary,
I am so depressed because for a long time I have
not received any letter from Victoria. Victoria has always
the time of his death. Both the daughters fight with each
other to keep him.
12. What is the most surprising announcement
made by Mr Abel in the end? How does it affect
the other characters? [C.B.S.E. 2011 (T-1)]
Ans : Abel makes a very dramatic announcement in the
end that he is going to marry Mrs. Shorrocks who keeps
the ‘Ring-O-Bells’. Moreover he is going to take away his
things and leave nothing for his daughters.
LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS

1. It is an undeniable fact that the best classroom in the world is at the feet of
grandparents. They have an endless treasure of stories to tell their
grandchildren. They have silver in their hair, gold in their hearts. They have
a life-time of experience to bestow on their grandchildren. Write a short
character-sketch of your grandfather, highlighting the special qualities you
have learnt from him.
2. Mr Mohan Mehra is 80 years old. He is weak, emaciated and neglected by
his children. Financially also, he has to depend on others. Prepare a short
speech to be delivered in your colony, requesting people to come to provide
him physical and mental support.
been cold and unresponsive towards me. I know she will
never forgive the treatment I gave to my father. The minds
of young children are impressionable and she will never
change her opinion or learn to respect me. I am sick, old,
and I need care but do I deserve any care, after the way
I treated my father. On God! I feel so guilty. I wish I
could turn the clock back. I made my father most unhappy
so ill-luck and misery has to happen to me. I wish I could
make amends.
Amelia
5. You are Abel Merryweather. Express your ideas/
feelings after you wake up and come to know
about your daughter’s feelings/greed and
intentions.
Or
Abel in “The Dear Departed” is very upset at
the behaviour of his family. He expresses his
feelings to a close friend in a letter. As Abel,
write this letter. [C.B.S.E. 2011 (T-1)]
Ans : Dear Anthony,
You must be surprised to get my letter after such
a long time. But frankly speaking I did not find anyone
in this whole world to become a witness to my marriage
with Mrs. Shorrock, a widow, running a school in our
neighbourhood.
Don’t get shocked to hear about my marriage at
this ripe age when I have a full fledged family of two
children and grand children. I myself never thought of taking
such a drastic step had I not got over drunk one night
and slept till late in the morning. That was a blessing in
disguise, I could see the hypocrisy of my daughters. My
supposed death was no loss to them since they considered
me a burden. My death became a kind of competition for
both of them. They outshone each other in wearing the
best mourning dresses and took away the things from my
room in the presence of my supposed dead body and started
accusing each other. It is only my granddaughter who has
some feelings for me.
Sensing the mercenary nature of my daughters, I
have taken a stern decision, to spend the fag end of my
life in good care. I have outwitted all of them and have
planned to Marry Mrs Shorrock who would look after me
better. Moreover, I am going to take away all my things
and leave nothing for them. I hope you will appreciate
my decision. Do come to St. Wilson church on Monday,
the day I am getting married, at 11 a.m.
Yours very own
Abel Merrywheater.
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT

3. Compose a short poem on the special bond shared by grandparents and
grandchildren.
4. Ponto is very naughty. Every time he loves playing pranks on his ‘dadajee’.
Imagine his pranks and write a short story titled “Naughty Ponto and His
Dadajee.

INTRODUCTION
Julius Caesar is a historical play which depicts events that took place around 42 B.C. Shakespeare has very
deftly presented this political drama which is punctuated by personal strifes and moral dilemmas, faced by the main
characters of the play.
Julius Caesar is an able general, statesman and an immensely popular Roman. He returns to Rome amidst cheers
and adulation after defeating the sons of Pompey. The Romans turn up in large numbers to cheer him since he has
filled up the coffers of Rome. Caesar refuses the crown, which is offered to him three times. But it is feared that he
may one day ascend the throne and revoke the privileges of men like Cassius. The threat that Caesar was moving away
from the ideals of Roman principles towards an empire ruled directly by himself, is the chief reason that Brutus joins
the conspirators. Brutus is the most trusted, respected and ‘noble of all Romans’, but has a false conception of honour.
He is an idealist, but is not shrewd enough to sense the purpose of the conspirators like Cassius.
JULIUS CAESAR2
SUMMARY
Caesar wanders about in his night-gown and is
kept awake by Calpurnia’s nightmares. She called out in
her sleep about supernatural omens that spelled disaster.
Calpurnia believes that such bad omens are a premonition
of evil and some harm would befall Caesar. Caesar rebuffs
her, refusing to give in to fear. Caesar deems the signs to
apply to the world in general and refuses to believe they
bore ill for him personally. Finally, Calpurnia prevails
upon Caesar to stay at home. Decius Brutus jeopardises
Calpurnia’s plan and forces Caesar to go to the Senate,
where the senators were waiting to offer a crown to him.
On his way, Caesar rejects the petition of Cimber to revoke
the orders for his brother’s banishment. This proves to be
the last nail in his coffin. Immediately afterwards, Casca
and other senators along with Brutus stab Caesar. Caesar’s
last words are, “Et tu Brute?”
The conspirators turn to the plebians and start
shouting slogans of “Liberty, Freedom and
Enfranchisement” as if they were safeguarding the rights
of all the Romans.
Mark Antony is too dumbstruck to see Caesar’s
dead body in a pool of blood, but tactfully restrains himself
from making any statements. He requests Brutus for
allowing him to make a funeral speech. Dismissing
Cassius’ objection, Brutus allows him but only after he has
himself addressed the plebians. Antony uses his excellent
oratorical skills very cleverly and succeeds in inciting the
mob to mutiny and wreck havoc against the conspirators.
Brutus and others have to flee for their lives and Octavious
Caesar arrives to clinch the victory for Antony and save
Caesar’s honour.
lkjka'k
lh”kj jkr osQ lksus osQ fyckl esa b/j&m/j ?kwers jgrs gSA
D;ksafd oSQyiw£u;k osQ Hk;kud lius vkSj Mjkouh ph[ksa mUgsa lksus ugha
nsrhaA og uhan esa vykSfdd ?kVukvksa vkSj iwokZHkkl dh psrkouh nsrh
jgrh gaS vkSj dgrh gSa fd ;g vi'kxqu iwokZHkkl gS DqQN cqjk vkSj
Hk;kud ?kVuk lh”kj osQ lkFk gksxh lh”kj mUgsa Mk¡Vrs gaS vkSj Mj dk
f'kdkj gksus ls badkj djrs gSaA lh”kj dgrs gSa fd ;g fpg~u rks lalkj
osQ fy, gks ldrs gSaA os bl ckr ij iwjh rjg ls fo'okl djus ls
badkj djrs gq, dgrs gSa fd mUgsa dksbZ [krjk ugha gSA
var esa oSQyiw£u;k mUgsa ?kj ij gh jgus osQ fy, jkth dj ysrh
gSA Msfl;l czwVl oSQyiwfuZ;k dh ;kstukvksa ij ikuh isQj nsrs gSa vkSj
lh”kj dks e”kcwj dj nsrs gSa fd os lhusV tk,¡ tgk¡ lnL; mUgsa rkt
igukus dk bar”kkj dj jgs gSaA
ekxZ esa tkrs gq, lh”kj] ¯lcj dh ;kfpdk dks fd mlosQ HkkbZ
osQ fuokZlu osQ vkns'k dks okfil fy;k tk;s] jn~n dj nsrs gSaA ;g
muosQ rkcwr esa vkf[kjh dhsy FkhA mlosQ rqjUr ckn] dkLdk vkSj nwljs
lHkh lHkk lnL; ftuesa czwVl Hkh 'kkfey gS mUgsa dVkj HkkSad dj ekj
nsrs gSaA lh”kj osQ vkf[kjh 'kCn ^^rqe Hkh czwVl** FksA
¯lcj "kM;a=kdkjh turk dh vksj >qdko fn[kkrs gq, ukjs yxkrs
gSa Liberty, Freedom, Enfranchisement ^vk”kknh & Lora=krk]
jktuhfrd vf/dkjA ekuksa os turk dks vk'oklu ns jgs gksa fd os
lHkh jkseokfl;ksa osQ vf/dkjksa dh j{kk dj jgs gSaA
ekoZQ ,aVuh (Mark Antony) lh”kj dh [kwu ls luh yk'k dks
ns[k HkkSapDdk gS ijUrq oqQ'kyrk ls vius euksHkkoksa dks Nqikrs gq, oqQN
Hkh dgus ls vius dks jksdrk gSA og czwVl ls vkKk ek¡xrk gS fd og
nIk”Qukus dh fØ;k ls igys turk dks lEcksf/r dj oqQN dgsA
oSQfl;l osQ fojks/ dks u”kjvank”k dj czwVl mls btk”kr ns nsrk gS fd
äääää By William Shakespeare

og turk ls nks 'kCn dgsA ,aVuh viuh vn~Hkqr] Hkk"k.k nsus dh dyk
dk iwjk bLrseky djrs gq, turk dks çHkkfor djus esa lIk”Qy gks tkrk
gSA HkhM+ cxkor ij vkeknk gksdj "kM;a=kdkfj;ksa osQ fo#¼ rksM+iQksM+
'kq: dj nsrh gSA czwVl vkSj nwljs "kM;a=kdkjh viuh tku cpk dj
Hkkxrs gSa vkSj vkDVsfo;l lh”kj vk dj ,aVuh dh fot; dks iDdk
djrs gq, lh”kj dh çfr"Bk dk eku j[krs gSaA
WORD–MEANINGS
Whelped : Cried Yawned : opened up Portents :
ill-omens Imminent : going to occur Cognisance :
notice Puissant : powerful Couchings : bowing
Decree : judicial decision Pre-ordinance : before
authoritative order Cur : dog Enfranchisement :
right to vote Strife : War Coffers : treasury.
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS (SOLVED)
6. Answer the following questions briefly.
(a) How do the heavens ‘blaze forth’ the death of
Julius Caesar? [C.B.S.E. 2012 (T-2)]
Ans. Calpurnia sees ill-omens that predict the death
of Caesar beforehand. The heavens predict the death of
princes and great kings. There were fierce battles, blood
rained, ghosts were seen, graves opened up, battle cries
were heard. All this signalled that someone as powerful as
Caesar was bound to suffer.
(b) What does Calpurnia convince Caesar of?
Ans. She convinces Caesar to avoid going to the
senate. She believed that Caesar would be safe if he stays
at home.
(c) Why does Calpurnia say Caesar’s ‘wisdom is
consumed in confidence?’ What does it mean?
Ans. When Caesar is adamant about going to the
senate, Calpurnia dissuades him. But Caesar believes that
ill-omens are for the weak and not for the mighty like him.
Then Calpurnia says that Caesar’s over confidence has
clouded his wisdom. He was so confident that he refused
to see reason nor understood the indication behind the ill-
omens.
(d) What was Calpurnia’s dream? How was it
interpreted by Decius Brutus?
[C.B.S.E. 2012 (T-2)]
Ans. Calpurnia sees a terrifying dream in which
Caesar is murdered, his statue is gushing blood and many
smiling Romans are bathing their hands in his blood.
Calpurnia was not superstitious but earlier in the night
she had a nightmare comprising the dead man walking
about. She felt that the dream was a premonition of the
evil that was going to befall Caesar. So she forbids Caesar
to go to the Senate. But Decius cleverly interprets it
positively. He says that the vision of Romans bathing in
Caesar’s blood signifies that Caesar’s spirit or influence
will touch many lives; staining their handkerchieves in
Caesar’s blood indicates reverence, dedication and a token
of memory on part of the Romans.
(e) What arguments did Brutus and other
conspirators give to justify the killing of
Caesar? [C.B.S.E. 2012 (T-2)]
Ans. Julius Caesar is an able general and a mighty
conqueror who has brought great glory to Rome. It is
believed by many that Caeser is too ambitious and would
one day be the Roman emperor and a dictator. Jealous
of Caesar’s growing power, Cassius instigates a conspirary
to murder Caesar. The conspirators were unhappy with
Caesar’s obstinacy and egoistic behaviour. Cassius was
jealous of Caesar’s soaring power and popularity. According
to Cassius, Caesar was a tyrant who wanted to treat the
Romans as slaves and that Roman liberty and democracy
were under threat from Caesar. Brutus stabbed Caesar
because he was an idealist and believed that ambition and
tyranny should be nipped in the bud but Cassius killed
Caesar because he wanted to be a part of the Roman
triumvirate.
(f) Why is Decius more successful than Calpurnia
in persuading Caesar? [C.B.S.E. 2012 (T-2)]
Ans. Decius interprets Calpurnia’s dream as a fair
and fortunate vision. He says that the vision of Romans
bathing in Caesar’s blood signifies Caesar’s spirit or
influence will increase manifold. Basically he boosts
Caesar’s ego, flatters his greatness and might and makes
him feel more powerful. So Caesar is happier with his
version.
(g) What is the petition put before Caesar by the
conspirators? How does Caesar respond to it?
Ans. The conspirators want Caesar to pardon Publius
Cimber and recall the order of his banishment. Caesar
refuses the request and says that his order cannot be changed
and he will stick to his decision.
(h) Who says ‘Ete tu Brute’? When and why?
Ans. Caesar utters these words which mean, “you
too, Brutus”. These are uttered when Brutus stabs Caesar
and Caesar is too hurt to see that even his dear friend
Brutus could resort to such treachery.

(i) In the moments following Caesar’s death, how
do the conspirators proclaim to justify
Caesar’s death? [C.B.S.E. 2012 (T-2)]
Ans. The conspirators wish to justify Caesar’s death
by announcing their love and loyalty to Rome. They say
that Caesar was very ambitious and Romans would have
become slaves under his autocratic rule. According to
Brutus, Caesar was a tyrant and Roman liberty and
democracy was under threat and Caesar wished to become
an Emperor.
(j) What does Antony say after Caesar’s death,
when he sees the body of Caesar?
Ans. Antony apologises to Caesar’s body for being
meek and gentle with his murderers. He curses the hands
that killed such a noble man. He also requests them to kill
him for he cannot tolarate Caesar’s death.
(k) How do Brutus and Cassius respond to
Antony’s speech?
Ans. Both Brutus and Cassius request Antony not to
plead for his own death. They offer him authority and
good position and ask for his support in the murder of
Caesar.
(l) Whom does Antony call “the choice and
master spirits of this age.” Why?
Ans. Antony calls Brutus and Cassius the most
powerful people after Caesar’s death; they have all the
power. Moreover, he wants to flatter their ego, to pretend
that he is not against them.
(m) How do Brutus and Cassius respond to
Antony’s request for giving a speech? What
are the conditions imposed by them.
Ans. Cassius is very much against Antony’s idea of
speech but Brutus feels that no harm can befall him and
others with just a speech. Brutus says that he will give a
speech first and justify Caesar’s death so there will not be
a problem, if Antony delivers his speech later. Moreover
Antony is had agreed to deliver the speech from the same
platform and not talk against them.
(n) When he is left alone with the body of Caesar
what does Antony call Brutus and others?
Ans. Antony curses the murderers and he seeks
forgiveness for being polite to them. He calls them
‘butchers’ who killed the noblest of men.
(o) What prediction does Antony make regarding
the future events in Rome?
Ans. Antony prophesies that Rome will be ravaged
with civil war, violence and extreme blood shed will leave
the earth full of dead bodies. Goddess of revenge will
descend on earth with Caesar’s spirit and the stench of
dead bodies will fill the earth.
(p) Who says “let him be Caesar”? What light
does this throw on the speaker?
Ans. The 3rd citizen says this. This statement reflects
the vulnerability of the mob who believe, whatever is told
to them. They say that Brutus should be put in place of
Caesar, after being impressed by his speech. Later
they turn towards Mark Antony and are ready to kill Brutus
and others.
7. Julius Caesar and Antony reveal something about their character in their words and actions. We also learn
about them from what other people say. Can you pick out the words that describe them from the box given
below? Also, pick out lines from the play to illustrate your choice.
superstitious arrogant loyal clever
overconfident manipulative good orator ambitious
brave great conqueror generous fearless
loves flattery firm shrewd crafty
Person Extract from play What it tells us
about the character
Julius Caesar 1. the things that threaten’d me arrogant
Ne’er look’d but on my back; when they shall see over confident
The face of Caesar, they are vanished.
2. Cowards die many times before their deaths Brave
The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes
3. We are two lions littered in a day fearless
And I the elder and more terrible
4. Thy brother by decree is banished firm
If thou dost bend and pray and fawn for him

5. She dreamt tonight she saw my statue superstitious
Which, like a fountain with a hundred spouts
Did run pure blood
6. No, Caesar shall not; danger knows full well overconfident
That Caesar is more dangerous than he
Mark Antony 1. Of half that worth as those your swords, made rich loyal
With the most noble blood of all this world
2. Produce his body to the market place shrewd
And in the pulpit, as becomes a friend
Speak in the order of his funeral
3. Woe to the hand that shed this costly blood crafty
Over thy wounds now do I prophecy
A curse shall light the limbs of men
4. I come here to bury Caeser, not to praise him manipulative
The evil that men do lives after them
. . . . And Brutus is an honourable man
5. Kind souls, what weep you when you but behold good orator
Our Caesar’s vesture wounded? Look you here,
Here is himself, marred, as you see, with trailers.
8. In the play ‘Julius Caesar,’ we meet the Roman mob. We find that as Brutus and Antony speak, the mob
displays certain qualities and characteristics.
Given below are some characteristics of the mob. Complete the table by quoting the lines wherein these
are revealed.
Words actions of the mob Characteristics
1. The mob first believes Brutus that Caesar was Foolish, fickle, easily manipulated
ambitious and later believes Antony.
2. They forget Caesar’s achievements Does not understand the ideals of democracy
3. Give him a statue with our ancestors Emotional
Let him be Caesar
4. Read the will, the testament Greedy
They are happy to know that Caesar left them money
5. Me thinks there is much reason in his saying Fickle
Caesar has had great wrong
6. We will be revenged
Seek ‘Burn! Fire! kill! slay! Violent
9. Antony employs a number of devices to produce the desired effect on the mob. These devices may be
described as rhetorical devices. He first speaks in such a manner that it seems to the mob that he is in full
agreement with Brutus about Caesar. Then step by step he moves away from Brutus’ position, depicting
Brutus as a villain and Caesar as a wronged man. Copy and complete the following table by showing how
Antony builds the argument in Caesar’s favour.

Antony’s words Argument
1. I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him. Does not wish to eulogise Caesar
2. The noble Brutus Seemingly agrees with Brutus
Hath told you Caesar was ambitious: Ironical.
If it were so, it was a grievous fault,
And grievously hath Caesar anser’d it.
3. I thrice presented him the crown, he refused it Pretends to say that Caesar was ambitious
Yet Brutus says that he was ambitious Clever
4. I rather choose to wrong the dead and you He does not intend to wrong Irony
Then I will wrong such honourable men Brutus and Cassius
5. If Brutus so unkindly knocked, or no Brutus was greatly loved by Caesar
For Brutus was Caesar’s angel (hints at his treachery) manipulative
SOME IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
1. “What can be avoided
Whose end is purposed by the mighty gods.”
The above statement reflects Caesar’s dignity and
wisdom that the hour of death cannot be averted
and is decided by God. Keeping the above
statement in mind, discuss the circumstances that
led to Caesar’s death.
Ans. Caesar is fearless, valiant and believes that the fixed
hour of death decided by heavens cannot be averted. This
proves true in his case. He is persuaded by Calpurnia to
avoid going to the Senate due to ill-omens. Caesar had
nearly succumbed to Calpurnia’s entreaties, but Decius
Brutus ignites Caesar’s pride, vanity and overconfidence
proves to be his failing. Despite the premonitions, he
proceeds towards the Senate. He haughtily rejects the
petition of Metellus Cimber to revoke his brother’s
banishment. The conspirators are ready to kill Caesar. Casca
is the first one to stab Caesar, followed by Brutus and
others.
2 What characteristics are displayed by the Roman
mob in the play? Discuss how the mob changes
the fate of the main characters of the play?
Ans. Mob is of strategic importance in the plays of
Shakespeare. It gives us a deep insight of the main
characters and is instrumental in turning the tide of events.
The mob is full of hero worship. They glorify Caesar when
he brings victory and fills the coffers of Rome. They rejoice
in his honour, worship him and put him on a pedestal
as a hero. But the commoners are too gullible, very easily
swayed and exhibit ‘herd-mentality.’ When Brutus convinces
them that Caesar’s murder was justified in the interest of
Rome, they believe him, but when Mark Antony plays on
their emotions, they rise in mutiny. They are overwhelmed
to hear of Caesar’s will and cause heavy destruction. So
mob can turn the tide, depending upon who proves to be
clever to exploit it to his advantage.
3. Compare and contrast the characters of Brutus
and Mark Antony. [C.B.S.E. 2012 (T-2)]
Ans. Brutus is a powerful public figure, a dignified
military leader and a loving friend. The conflicting value
systems that battle with each other, in the play, are enacted
on a micro level in Brutus’ mind. Even after the murder
of Caesar has been committed, questions remain whether
it was a noble, selfless act or failure of a great nobleman
and friend.
Brutus’ rigid idealism is both his greatest virtue and
his most deadly flaw. He lives up to Antony’s elegiac
description as ‘the noblest of Romans.’ His commitment
to principles leads him to miscalculations: wanting to curtail
violence, he ignores Cassius’ advice and does not kill
Antony as well. In another moment of naive idealism, he
allows Antony to give his funeral oration over Caesar’s
body. So he forfeits the authority of having the last word
on the murder and allows Antony to incite the plebeians
to riot against him. He later endangers his good relationship
with Cassius by self-righteously condemning the fund-
raising tactics.
So Brutus acts out of a desire to limit the self-
serving aspects of his actions, ironically in each incident
he dooms the very cause, he seeks to promote, thus serving
no one.
4. How was Antony successful in instigating the
people of Rome against the conspirators?
Or
Antony displays lot of maturity in the way he
befriends the conspirators in order to average
Caesar’s death. Explain. [C.B.S.E. 2012 (T-2)]

Ans. Mark Antony is a clever statesman and a good friend
of Caesar. He is foresighted enough to judge that Brutus
is a famous public figure and has already won the approval
of the plebeians, instead of censure, after killing Caesar.
Now it is upto him to turn the tide, which threatens to
flow on the side of the conspirators.
Antony proves strong in all the ways while Brutus
proves weak. His impulsive, improvisatory nature serves
him perfectly to persuade the conspirators that he is on
their side, thus gaining leniency. Throughout his speech,
he keeps repeating, ‘Brutus is an honorable man.’ “I come
to bury Caesar, not to praise him,” whereas he does just
the opposite. He is able to persuade the plebeians of the
conspirators’ injustice and gains mass support. He
contradicts the charges of Brutus that Caesar was ambitious
by pointing out that Caesar had refused the crown twice,
had filled the coffers of Rome and wept for all Romans.
Not too scrupulous to stoop to deceit and duplicity, as Brutus
claims to be, Antony proves himself to be a consummate
politician, using gestures and rhetoric to his advantage. He
graphically displays all the stabs, Brutus and others have
inflicted on Caesar’s body and uses Caesar’s body to exploit
the plebeians emotionally. He responds to subtle cues, tailors
his words very deftly and uses the most appropriate actions
to incite the people. He deliberately thrusts the words
‘mutiny’ and ‘riot’ at them and gets the desired results.
Unlike Brutus, who prides himself on solely acting with
respect to virtue and blinding himself to his personal
concerns. Antony never separates his private affairs from
his public actions. So Antony’s eulogy at Caesar’s funeral
is a master-stoke, and the mention of Caesar’s will that
leaves money and his property for all Romans, acts as the
final nail in the coffin of the conspirators. So Antony’s
speech is a combination of wit, irony, sarcasm, pathos and
satire.
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Read the following and write the most appropriate
option from the ones given to you :
1. Calpurnia : When beggars die, there are no comets
seen, the heavens themselves blaze
forth the death of princes.
Caesar : Cowards die many times before their
deaths;
The valiant never taste of death but
once.
(i) Why does Calpurnia make the above
observation?
(a) She is a coward
(b) She is unsure of Caesar’s capability
(c) She wishes to stop Caesar from going to
the senate
(d) She is superstitious
(ii) How do heavens differentiate between the
death of a prince and a beggar?
(a) Heavens are indifferent
(b) There are ill omens when the mighty are
going to fall
(c) Beggars and poor are given special
preference
(d) It is the duty of Heavens to show some
omens
(iii) What is Caesar’s logic for not fearing
death?
(a) Brave do not think of death
(b) Brave are always ready to die
(c) Brave are always thinking of death
(d) Death always favours the brave
(iv) What does the above conversation reflect
about Caesar’s character?
(a) proud (b) selfless
(c) fearless (d) superstitious
Answers : (i) (c) (ii) (b) (iii) (a) (iv) (c)
2. Your statue spouting blood in many pipes
In which so many smiling Roman’s bathed
Signifies that from you great Rome shall suck
Reviving blood, and that great man shall press
For tinctures, stains, relics and cognisance.
(i) Who is the speaker and who is being
addressed here?
(a) Caesar—Calpurnia (b) Caesar—Antony
(c) Decius—Caesar (d) Calpurnia–Decius
(ii) What is the context of this speech?
(a) Calpurnia’s dream
(b) Caesar’s statue spouting blood
(c) Caesar’s visit to Senate
(d) Some personal problem between Caesar
and Calpurnia
(iii) How will Rome be benefitted as a result?

(a) Caesar’s enemies will decrease
(b) He will become more powerful
(c) Rome will gain strength and sustenance
from Caesar
(d) Caeser will exploit the weak.
(iv) What is the effect of this speech on the
listener?
(a) Caesar is shocked
(b) Calpurnia is amazed
(c) Caesar looks up to Decius in disbelief
(d) Caesar is full of praise for Decius
Answers : (i) (c) (ii) (b) (iii) (c) (iv) (d)
3. I must prevent thee, Cimber.
These couchings and these lowly courtesies
Might fire the blood of ordinary men,
And turn pre-ordinance and first decree
into the laws of children.
(i) What is the reason for this speech?
(a) Caesar’s anger at Cimber’s request
(b) Caesar’s politeness to pardon Cimber’s
brother
(c) Cimber’s audacity to provoke Caesar
(d) Caesar’s ignorance of the rules of Rome.
(ii) What kind of behaviour is disliked by the
speaker?
(a) giving compliments
(b) bowing and bending to impress
(c) acts of cowardice
(d) acts of defiance and opposition
(iii) What is the speaker’s conception of law?
(a) Laws are a child’s play
(b) Laws cannot be changed at will
(c) Laws should be flexible
(d) Laws can be bent to save the guilty
(iv) What light does the above speech throw
on his character?
(a) kind and compassionate
(b) anthoritative
(c) strict and law-abiding
(d) fickle-minded
(v) What is the reason for Cimber’s behaviour?
(a) He is afraid of Caesar
(b) He wishes to plead for his brother
(c) He wishes to lay a trap for Caesar
(d) He hates Caesar
Answers : (i) (c) (ii) (b) (iii) (b) (iv) (c) (v) (c)
4. O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth,
That I am meek and gentle with these batchers
Thou art the ruins of the noblest man
that ever lived in the tide of times.
woe to the hand that shed this costly blood!
over thy wounds now do I prophecy, –
[C.B.S.E. 2012 (T-2)]
(i) Who is referred to as ‘bleeding piece of
earth’?
(a) Rome (b) Caesar’s dead body
(c) Brutus (d) Caesar’s home
(ii) What crime have the ‘Butchers’ committed?
(a) tyranny against Rome
(b) Shed blood of Romans
(c) killed Caesar
(d) looted the coffers of Rome
(iii) The speaker is full of grief at the death of
Caesar, but his behaviour is very meek and
gentle towards the conspirators? Why?
(a) He is afraid of them
(b) His own life is in danger
(c) He wishes to sidetrack them
(d) He is calm by nature
(iv) What prophecy does the speaker make?
(a) Rome will be destroyed
(b) Caesar will be grieved
(c) Conspirators will meet their doom soon
(d) Rome will not be at peace ever
(v) Who are the conspirators?
(a) Brutus and Antony
(b) Cassius and Brutus
(c) Caesar and Calpurnia
(d) Antony and Cimber
Answers : (i) (b) (ii) (c) (iii) (c) (iv) (c) (v) (b)
5. Brutus:
Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved
Rome more.
Had you rather Caesar were living and die all
slaves, than that
Caesar were dead, to live all free man? As
Caesar loved me
I weep for him, as he was fortunate, I rejoice at
it, as he was
valiant, I honour him.
(i) Why does Brutus make the above speech?
(a) To plead and justify himself

(b) to provoke the conspirator
(c) he is afraid of Mark Antony
(d) he wishes to prove his nobility
(ii) Why does Brutus need to reaffirm and
emphasise his love for Caesar?
(a) He was considered Caesar’s best friend
(b) No one could ever associate him with
murder
(c) He was weak
(d) He wished to prove his love for Rome
(iii) What reasons does Brutus offer for killing
Caesar?
(a) Caesar was too dominating
(b) Roman liberty and democracy were at
stake under Caesar
(c) Caesar was too strict in implementing laws
(d) He was ruthless and unkind
(iv) Mention a praiseworthy quality of Caesar
which Brutus speaks about despite killing
him.
(a) Authoritative (b) Ruthless
(c) Brave (d) Kind
(v) How important was honour to Brutus?
(a) important (b) most important
(c) least important (d) indifferent to it
Answers : (i) (a) (ii) (d) (iii) (b) (iv) (c) (v) (b)
6. Mark Antony :
But Brutus says he was ambitious,
And Brutus is an honourable man.
He hath brought many captives home to Rome
Whose ransoms did the general coffers fill;
Did this in Caesar seem ambitious?
(i) Why does Mark Antony keep repeating
that ‘Brutus is an honourable man’?
(a) Because his is clever
(b) Not to sound disagreeable to the crowd
(c) Because he is patriotic
(d) Because he respects Brutus
(ii) Quote one example from the above speech
that is in praise of Caesar?
(a) he waged wars
(b) punished the captives of war
(c) filled the coffers of Rome by bringing
captives to Rome
(d) he was ambitious
(iii) Mark Antony’s conception of ‘ambitious’
is to have
(a) selfish motives (b) materialistic gains
(c) wage wars (d) love for Rome
(iv) What attitude of Mark Antony is reflected
by the above speech?
(a) cleverness (b) great oratorial skills
(c) bravery (d) vanity
Answers : (i) (a) (ii) (c) (iii) (d) (iv) (b)
7. Antony :
But here’s a parchment with the seal of Caesar;
I found it in his closet, ‘tis his will : ..............
which, pardon me, I don’t mean to read –
And they would go and kiss dead Caesar’s wounds
And dip their napkins in his sacred blood.
(i) What secret does Antony reveal to the
people of Rome?
(a) That Caesar left a will for Romans to read
(b) That Caesar was a very honest man
(c) That Caesar was misguided
(d) That Caesar stabbed Rome in the back
(ii) What would be the effect of Caesar’s
will?
(a) Romans would protest and revolt against
the conspirators
(b) They will feel guilty
(c) They will feel happy at Caesar’s death
(d) They will kiss Caesar’s wounds
(iii) Why does Antony show hesitation in
reading Caesar’s will?
(a) He does not wish to reveal the will
(b) He is unhappy at Caesar’s will
(c) It is a part of his acting and pretension
(d) He does not wish Romans to know about
it
(iv) What are the contents of Caesar’s will?
(a) Caesar wished to be remembered as a hero
(b) Caesar wished his statue to be built in the
centre of Rome
(c) He had left all his money, perks etc. for
Romans
(d) He had left everything to Calpurnia
Answers : (i) (a) (ii) (b) (iii) (c) (iv) (c)
8. Antony :
Good friends, sweet friends, let me not stir you up
To such a sudden flood of mutiny

They that have done this deed are honourable
What private griefs they have, alas, I know not
That made them do it.
(i) What is the occasion of Mark Antony’s
speech?
(a) Caesar’s birthday
(b) Anniversary of Roman invasion
(c) Caesar’s murder
(d) Antony’s celebration
(ii) What does the use of ‘stir’ and ‘muting’
reveal about the purpose of Antony’s
speech?
(a) It is a wake-up case for Romans
(b) He wants them to rise up and revolt
(c) He wants most of them to bow before
Caesar’s statue
(d) He does not want anything from the
Romans
(iii) What is meant by ‘private griefs’?
(a) virtues
(b) personal problems
(c) professional jealousy
(d) treason against Rome
(iv) Who are the ‘sweet friends’ Antony wishes
to address?
(a) Brutus and Cassius
(b) Romans
(c) Decius
(d) Calpurnia and Caesar’s relatives
Answers : (i) (c) (ii) (b) (iii) (b) (iv) (b)
9. If there by any in this assembly, any dear friend
of Caesar’s to him I say, that
Brutus’ love to Ceasar was no less than his. If
then that friend demand why Brutus rose
against Caesar, this is my answer. Not that I loved
Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more. Had you
rather Caesar were living and die all slaves, than
that Caesar were dead, to live all free men?
(i) Why according to Brutus, did he kill
Caesar?
(a) Brutus wanted to save Rome from slavery
(b) Brutus hated Caesar.
(c) Cassius forced Brutus to kill Caesar
(d) Brutus himself wanted to become the king
of Rome.
(ii) How does Brutus justify the assassination
of Caesar?
(a) Brutus said that Caesar was ambitious.
(b) Brutus said that he would enslave Rome.
(c) Brutus said that he would become a tyrant.
(d) All of the above
(iii) How did the mob react to the speech given
by Brutus?
(a) The mob revolted against Brutus.
(b) The mob agreed with Brutus’ decision.
(c) The mob criticised Brutus’ decision
(d) None of the above.
Answers : (i) (a) (ii) (d) (iii) (b) (iv) (b)
10. You know not what you do. Do not
Consent that Antony speak in his funeral.
(i) _____ funeral is being talked about.
(a) Cassius’s (b) Caesar’s
(c) Brutus’s (d) none of the above
(ii) The person had been____
(a) killed in the war
(b) poisoned
(c) killed by his own friends
(d) killed by a wild animal
(iii) The speaker did not want Antony to speak
because :
(a) he was not a good speaker.
(b) he might instigate the public.
(c) he will not let anyone else speak.
(d) none of the above.
Answers : (i) (b) (ii) (c) (iii) (b)
11. Calpurnia : What mean you, Caesar? Think you to
work forth? You shall not stir of your
house today
Caesar : Caesar shall forth.
(i) Calpurnia stopped Caesar from going out
of the house because
(a) Caesar’s enemies were out to kill him
(b) Caesar war not well
(c) Calpurnia saw Caesar being killed in her
dream
(d) it was raining heavily
(ii) Caesar wanted to go out of the house
because
(a) he didn’t care about his wife
(b) he wanted to throw the enemies of Rome
out of the country

(c) he was worried about the safety of the
common man
(d) he had to attend an important meeting
(iii) These lines tell us about Caesar that he
(a) was a superstitious person
(b) was a coward
(c) was proud
(d) was soft-hearted
Answers : (i) (c) (ii) (c) (iii) (c)
12. Caesar, I have never stood on ceremonies,
Yet now they fright me
(i) _____ who says these words to Caesar?
(a) Calpurnia, his wife
(b) Decius
(c) The watchman
(d) Antony
(ii) What does this tell us about the character
of the speaker?
(a) He / She is nervous
(b) He / She is superstitious
(c) He / She is rational
(d) He / She is strong and bold
(iii) They in the above extract refer to some
sights seen by his wife. What are they?
(a) graves opening and yielding the dead
(b) lightning shattering the skies
(c) a lioness giving birth in the street
(d) all of the above
Answers : (i) (a) (ii) (b) (iii) (d)
Read the following extracts and answer the questions
that follow :
1. What can be avoided
Whose end is proposed by the mighty Gods?
(a) Who makes the above comment?
Ans : Julius Caesar makes this comment.
(b) Discuss the context of the above remark?
Ans : Calpurnia had witnessed some ill omens, so she
does not wish Caesar to go to the Senate.
(c) Do you believe that the speaker’s belief is
justified in the end? How?
Ans : Yes, it proves true because it was God’s will for
Caesar got murdered.
2. “And many lusty Romans
Came smiling and did bathe their hands in it”
And these she applies for warnings
(a) Identify the speaker and the listener.
Ans : The speaker is Caesar and the listener is Decius
Brutus.
(b) What do the warnings indicate?
Ans : The warnings indicated future tragedy for
Caesar, i.e., death.
(c) How does the above remark prove to be true?
Discuss?
Ans : Caesar got stabbed by other conspirators when
he went to the Senate.
3. But I am constant as the northern star
Of whose true-fixed and resting quality
There is no fellow in the firmament
(a) Who is ‘fixed’ like the star?
Ans : Julius Caesar himself.
(b) Discuss the context of the above.
Ans : Brutus is making a request to Caesar to grant
pardon to Publius Cimber.
(c) What qualities of the speaker are quoted
above?
Ans : He is law-abiding and believes that one must
never change oneself for rules.
4. O mighty Caesar! dost thou lie so low?
Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils
Shrunk to this little measure.
(a) Identify the speaker.
Ans : Mark Antony is the speaker.
(b) Why is Caesar lying so low?
Ans : Caesar has been murdered by the conspirators.
(c) Why have his achievements come to naught
according to the speaker?
Ans : Since Caesar is killed, his achievements have
come to a standstill.
5. For your part
To you our swords have leaden points, Antony
Our arms, in struggle of malice and our hearts
Of brothers’ temper
(a) Who is the speaker and the listener?
Ans : The speaker is Brutus and the listener is Mark
Antony.
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1. Brutus was not shrewd and foresighted enough
to cash in upon the conspiracy and the killing
of Caesar. Discuss how did his miscalculations
affect the conspirators.
Ans : Brutus was an idealist and a zealous Roman. He
was not a good judge of human psychology and was very
gullible. After killing Caesar, Brutus justifies his act by
calling Caesar ‘ambitious’ and that he wished to be the
Roman Emperor. He told the mob that Caesar wanted to be
an Emperor and was an enemy to Roman liberty and
democracy. Antony proved all these claims wrong and
Brutus’ greatest mistake was to allow Antony to give a
speech over Caesar’s body.
(b) What is the assurance, the speaker is giving
to the listener?
Ans : Brutus assures Antony that they have no
dangerous designs or ill-will against him.
(c) What support is required by the speaker?
Ans : He seeks support from Antony for the murder of
Caesar.
6. Had you rather Caesar were living and die all
slaves,
Than that Caesar were dead, to live all free men?
(a) Identify the speaker?
Ans : Brutus is the speaker.
(b) Discuss the context of the above remark.
Ans : Brutus in his funeral speech blames Caesar for
being dictatorial.
(c) What kind of situation is presented by the
speaker? Is it true and justified?
Ans : He says that Caesar wanted to make all Romans
slaves and he wished to become an Emperor himself. No
it is not true, because Caesar had given no evidence of
doing so.
7. The evil that men do lives after them
The good is oft interred with their bones;
So let it be with Caesar.
(a) Who is the speaker and what is the context?
Ans : Antony is delivering his speech on the death of
Julius Caesar.
(b) What good had Caesar done according to the
speaker?
Ans : Caesar had done lot of good for Rome.
(c) What evidence does the speaker give to prove
it?
Ans : He reads out Caesar’s will to prove it.
8. That was the most unkindest cut of all
For when the noble Caesar saw him stales
Ingratitude, more strong than traitors’ arms
Quite vanquished him.
(a) What was the unkindest cut? Who gave it?
Ans : The most unkind cut was the wound caused by
Brutus.
(b) Whose sight pained Caesar the most? Why?
Ans : The sight of Brutus attacking him.
(c) What is ingratitude according to Antony.
Ans : Ingratitude is treachery of a dearest friend,
which causes maximum pain.
9. Caesar : And you are come in happy time,
To bear my greeting to the senators
And tell them that I will not come today.
Calpurnia : Say he is sick
(a) Who is Caesar speaking to?
Ans : He is speaking to Desius Brutus.
(b) What message does Caesar want to send to
the senators?
Ans : He wanted to tell the senators that he was not
well.
(c) What makes Caesar change his mind?
Ans : His wife’s pleadings forced him to change his
mind.
10. Nor heaven nor earth have been at peace tonight:
Thrice hath Clapurnia in her sleep cried out,
Help, ho! they murder Caesar!” Who’ within?
(a) Who is Calpurnia?
Ans : She is Caesar’s wife.
(b) What does the disturbance in the sky
indicate?
Ans : It indicates that something bad is going to
happen.
(c) Does Calpurnia’s dream come true?
Ans : Yes, it comes true. Her husband, Caesar, gets
murdered.
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

1. Brutus’ character is a conflict between his
notions of honour and friendship of Caesar.
Discuss how he resolves this conflict and why
he is unsuccessful.
Ans : Brutus has great Republican zeal, noble idealism
and he is a great moralist. He is a champion of public
liberty and freedom. It is this love for liberty that urges
him to join the conspirators for the murder of Caesar. He
is an idealist and a dreamer of the bright future of Rome.
Being honourable, he fails to see the dishonourable nature
of Casius and others. Even Antony calls him the noblest of
souls. But he is not at all practical. He gets misled by the
conniving nature of the conspirators and sides Cassius in
killing Caesar. He sacrifices his love and friendship for the
sake of Rome. So he is equally responsible for this
tragedy.
2. “Caesar’s dead body could accomplish what
Caesar could not do in his life time.” Discuss
the strategic importance of Caesar’s dead body
and how it is exploited to the maximum.
Ans : Mark Antony takes full advantage of Caesar’s
dead body and exploits this situation to the hilt. Caesar’s
dead body emotionally grieves the Romans, his stabs cause
them pain. Antony points out the wounds and this physical
evidence turns the tide. The Romans psychologically start
2. Give two examples of supernatural elements
from the play.
Ans : Calpurnia sees many ill-omens in her dreams. They
are mostly supernatural elements used to predict the future.
The examples are as follows:
l A lioness lays a litter in a city street.
l Graves opened, the dead walked and there were
fierce battles fought in the skies.
3. How does Caesar react to Cimber’s pleadings
to recall his brother from banishment?
Ans : Caesar is very arrogant and conceited of his
judgement and his decisive nature. He not only refuses to
pardon Cimber’s brother from being banished but he also
refuses to listen to the entreaties of Brutus. He is obstinate
and infuriates Cimber and Brutus with his rudeness. He
calls himself ‘a fixed star’ and abuses Cimber by calling
him a dog and insulting him. He refuses to accept their
‘bows’ and ‘respects’ and stays adament on his decision.
4. What are the contents of Caesar’s will that
Mark Antony refers to? [C.B.S.E. 2012 (T-2)]
Ans : Antony uses emotional blackmail to provoke the
Romans against the conspirators. He exploits their
sentiments by saying that Caesar was not money-minded
and he has left all his riches for the Romans in his will. He
elaborates that Caesar has left all his walks, gardens,
private chambers and newly planted orchards on the bank
of Tiber for them. This revelation makes the Romans very
emotional.
4. Why does Brutus kill Caesar?
[C.B.S.E. 2012 (T-2)]
Ans : Brutus is Caesar’s friend. He has great Re-
publican zeal, noble idealism and he is a great moralist. He
is a champion of public liberty and freedom. But he is not
a good judge of psychology. He gets misled by the
conniving nature of the conspirators and joins them to kill
Caesar because of his love for the liberty and bright future
of Rome.
LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS
siding with Antony and change their stand. During his life-
time, Caesar had few enemies and critics but all them
become emotional to see his dead body. So Antony
exploits this to the maximum. Seeing Caesar’s blood, the
mob gets ready to mutiny.
3. Now let it work. Mischief, thou art afoot,
Take thou what course thou wilt!’
Who says the above lines? How does he succeed
in instigating the people of Rome against the
conspirators?
OR
Antony in his speech presents Caesar as “a
paragon of virtue and patriotism.” Discuss the
glowing tributes he paid to Caesar in his
funeral speech. [C.B.S.E. 2012 (T-2)]
Ans : Antony is his speech, highlights the positive
qualities of Julius Caesar. Caesar was a great warrior, a
formidable General who brought captives to Rome and
filled its coffers. He was valiant and fearless. Moreover, he
was not ambitious, as projected by the conspirators. He
had thrice refused the crown when he was offered.
Caesar’s heart bled for the welfare of Rome and he had
Roman interests on top of any other consideration. He had
also bequeathed all his property, money, walks, chambers

and orchards for the people of Rome. He was a champion
of Roman liberty and wanted to make Rome a very
powerful nation. Hearing all this, mob feel emotionally
supportive of Antony and he was able to provoke them to
rise against Brutus and others.
5. What are the contents of Caesar’s will? What
effects do these exert on the attitude of the
Romans?
Ans : Antony shows Caesar’s will gradually by
increasing the suspense and by asking the conspirators to
circle around it. First he shows his unwillingness to reveal
it, which makes the Romans very excited. They are
pleasantly surprised to discover that Caesar has left all his
riches and belongings to them. All his walks, gardens,
chambers, orchards for the use of local Romans. This
makes all the Romans very emotional and they feel that
Caesar has been wronged and rise to mutiny. The mob is
basically fickle-minded. Firstly, they are swayed by the
emotions of Brutus and support him. Later they feel
emotionally supportive of Antony and get provoked to rise
against Brutus and others.
6. Discuss the character of Caesar in the light of
the following :
(a) As a husband
(b) As a statesman
(c) As a friend
Ans :(a) Caesar is a concerned husband and gives due
regard to Calpurnia’s fears by refusing to go
to the senate. He is thoughtful of her
considerations and does believe that she has only
his true interests at heart.
(b) Caesar is an able general, very valiant and bent
upon the welfare of Rome. He has waged wars,
brought many captives and filled the coffers of
Rome. He is conceited but not unmindful of the
liberty of local people. He had refused to become
the Emperor of Rome, thrice.
(c) Caesar was a true friend of Antony and Brutus.
He was very loyal and was most hurt to see
that even his dear friend Brutus had stabbed him.
Antony respects Caesar and his love is proved
by his tribute offered to Caesar on his funeral.
7. Caesar had done a lot of good things for
the people of Rome. Yet he got nothing but
death. Do you think his end was justified?
Explain.
[C.B.S.E. 2012 (T-2)]
Ans : Caesar was a great diplomat and a zealous
Republican. He is ambitious, dominant and often
aggressive and rude. He is also haughty, boastful and
arrogant. He calls men like Decius Brutus ‘curs’ and calls
the senators ‘grey beards’. He succumbs to flattery and
that proves to be his undoing. Though he has the welfare
of Rome at his heart but he comes across as very arrogant
who would never change himself for anything and anyone.
He is insulting to many and this infuriates people like
Decius Brutus. However, his murder is not justified in any
way because he was a true Roman and a benefactor of the
common people.
8. Why did Calpurnia try to prevent Caesar from
going to the senate house? Did she succeed in
her mission? Why/Why not?
[C.B.S.E. 2012 (T-2)]
Ans : Caesar is a fearless valiant and believes that the
fixed hour of death cannot be averted. When Caesar is
adamant about going to the Senate, Calpurnia dissuades
him pleading that she has seen a terrifying dream in which
Caesar is murdered, his statute is gushing blood and many
smiling Ramans are bathing their hands in his blood. She
also sees a dead man walking about. She feels that the
dream was premonition of the evil that was going to befall
Caesar.
So she forbids him to go to the senate. But she
doesn’t succeed in her attempt because Decius Brutus
cleverly interprets it positively. He says that the vision of
Romans bathing in Caesar’s blood signifies that Caesar’s
spirit or influence will touch many lives, and are indicates
reverence and dedication for Caesar on part of the
Romans. Caesar comes under the flatery of Brutus and
refuses the requests of Calpurnia and leaves for the Senate.

1. Make a PROJECT on ‘Art of Public Speaking’.
You can collect evidence and give examples of famous leaders and orators.
2. Match List B with List A.
LIST A LIST B
Famous Speeches Dates/ Years Speakers
1. Declaration of War on U.S. 11-12-1941 Mother Teresa
2. Quit India 8-8-1942 Martin Luther King
3. D-Day Order 6-6-1944 John Kennedy
4. Iron-Curtain Speech 5-3-1946 Martin Luther King
5. No Easy Walk to Freedom Speech 21-9-1953 M.K. Gandhi
6. Birth of New Nation 7-4-1957 Hitler
7. Ask What Your Country can Do for You 20-6-1960 Nelson Mandela
8. We Choose to Go to the Moon 22-10-1962 Winston Churchill
9. I Have a Dream 28-8-1963 Eisenhower
10. Nobel Lecture 11-12-1979 John Kennedy
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Drama | Class X | CBSE Board By Prabhat Gaurav

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